Business Agent Report for August 2020
by Mary Keefe

August 18, 2020

American Medical Response Field Unit
We are entering negotiation season for the field unit. Contract demands surveys were emailed to all members at the beginning of the month. Based on the survey results we will elect a bargaining team and start to put together proposals based on the survey results.

In July, AMR expanded its contract with the City of Seattle to help conduct COVID-19 testing at two locations. The contract expansion means that many part time workers who were placed on Standby status in March are finally back to work! Teamsters 763 partnership with the City of Seattle helped to put union workers back to work.

Bridgestone Mileage Division
We held virtual contract negotiations with the Bridgestone management team and were able to unanimously ratify a successor agreement. The new, four year deal includes 10% wage increases over three years, a new floating holiday and improvements to leave benefit language. During the ratification meeting the membership expressed a strong interest in increasing their pension contributions which will be voted at the end of the month.

City of Seattle
The Coalition of City Unions filed an injunction against the Freedom Foundation and their information request for our members personal identification information. We were successful and the Freedom Foundation backed down. We were able to protect members’ birthdays from public disclosure. The City announced that it failed to project an additional $26 million dollar budget deficit for 2020. The Coalition of City Unions has for months suggested that we explore possible budget savings efforts but the City has failed to initiate conversations or negotiations which only compounds the impacts to City services and employment down the road.

Seattle Municipal Court
Last week the Court announced that as part of their COVID related, midyear budget cuts, one 763 position would be cut. The Court is reorganizing its “Programs and Services department” which includes a 25% reduction in staffing. The Union is working with the City’s Human Resources department to determine seniority, lay off and bumping rights.

King County
The County proposed a roll over concept for the Master Labor Agreement but rolled out a full, concessionary proposal at our first negotiation session. The Coalition of County Unions responded by demanding that our full bargaining teams be present for all meetings and that we proceed with traditional, full contract bargaining. Surveys will be sent out to all members in good standing and bargaining teams will be selected based on interest and experience.

Political Endorsements
Many of our Teamsters endorsed candidates flew through the August primary election. We will continue to interview and endorse candidates that support workers. Check our website for our endorsement list.